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The Ministry of Manners
A BOLD NEW MIDDLE-GRADE ADVENTURE FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DAVID SOLOMONS EXPLORING WHAT'S LOST IN KEEPING QUIET AND WHAT'S FOUND IN FIGHTING BACK.
Be quiet. Be polite. Or be silenced.
Alfie and Margot Hawthorne have grown up under the Ministry of Manners, where politeness isn't a choice - it's the law. And one wrong word can change your life. He knows how to stay out of trouble, but she has never been one for quiet obedience.
When the Ministry takes Margot, everything changes. Inside the Manners Retreat, she fights to stay herself in a place built to erase her. Meanwhile, Alfie falls in with the Unsilenced - those who still dare to speak. But the Ministry has plans of its own. And if they succeed, rebellion won't just be punished. It'll be impossible.
Be quiet. Be polite. Or be silenced.
Alfie and Margot Hawthorne have grown up under the Ministry of Manners, where politeness isn't a choice - it's the law. And one wrong word can change your life. He knows how to stay out of trouble, but she has never been one for quiet obedience.
When the Ministry takes Margot, everything changes. Inside the Manners Retreat, she fights to stay herself in a place built to erase her. Meanwhile, Alfie falls in with the Unsilenced - those who still dare to speak. But the Ministry has plans of its own. And if they succeed, rebellion won't just be punished. It'll be impossible.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
David Solomons
32 books57 followersDavid Solomons has been writing screenplays for many years. His first feature film was an adaptation of ‘Five Children and It’ (starring Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard, with gala screenings at the Toronto and Tribeca Film Festivals). His latest film is a romantic comedy set in the world of publishing, ‘Not Another Happy Ending’ (Karen Gillan, Iain de Caestecker), which closed the Edinburgh International Film Festival. My Brother is a Superhero is his first novel for children. He was born in Glasgow and now lives in Dorset with his wife (and novelist) Natasha, and son, Luke.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 15, 2026
Intriguing ideas, but doesn't give the story the depth it needs.
In alternate England, politeness is power – and breaking the rules will cost you everything. When his sister Margot gets taken to a correction asylum for impoliteness, Alfie inadvertently joins a secret rebel group who want to topple the government to try to get her back. Meanwhile, Margot must navigate the difficult rules of her imprisonment.
I was immediately taken by the premise. In a very 1984-esque world, the Ministry of Manners rules over the population with an iron, but polite, fist. Being rude, impolite or even a little snarky can put you in hot water – including in the privacy of your own home. In the current age where privacy online and in real life is being eroded, the premise is a timely klaxon for what our future might hold, but told in a story appropriate for a young audience. I do think, however, that in the end THE MINISTRY OF MANNERS doesn't go into as much depth as the subject matter demands.
Everything, from the world-building to the character development and, most importantly, the moral message, only scratches the surface of what it needs to say to make a point. Fundamentally dystopia is underpinned by an important theme about our current world and while MINISTRY does have plenty to say about privacy, security and free will, its implementation is thin enough that it seems like it wants the aesthetic of the genre without the work behind it. And having read a ton of great books for young readers, it's very doable to have a children's book with something important to say.
Partly I think it's the pacing. The book doesn't take the time to build the world, and the characters around them, keeping the story short and digestible but at the cost of substance. As far as our protagonists Alfie and Margot go, they're serviceable but I never became attached to them. Both are very cognizant of the restrictions of their society, and while Margot is more outspoken about her views, Alfie rebels only privately in his head. I think it would've been more interesting if he was more positive about it, but came to realise how harmful it was after Margot's kidnapping. As it stands he only gains the courage to outwardly rebel, which is fine, but far less dramatically exciting than slowly learning to deconstruct the harmful dictatorship the Ministry imposes. Likewise the members of the Unsilenced, the rebellion Alfie joins to save his sister, are woefully underdeveloped and feel more like plot devices than three-dimensional people.
All that said, as an introductory book to the genre it's good. The action sequences were enjoyable – you'll get your fill of break-ins and heists and secret spy missions – and children reading this will understand what the book is trying to say. But for me, who initially thought this was a standalone and adjusted my expectations, THE MINISTRY OF MANNERS has great potential that it doesn't quite reach.
WILL I READ ON? Like I said, I thought this was a standalone, and since this didn't really endear me to the characters I probably won't read on.
ARC received from Bonnier Books UK in exchange for an honest review. This title releases 7th May 2026.
LAST REVIEW
In alternate England, politeness is power – and breaking the rules will cost you everything. When his sister Margot gets taken to a correction asylum for impoliteness, Alfie inadvertently joins a secret rebel group who want to topple the government to try to get her back. Meanwhile, Margot must navigate the difficult rules of her imprisonment.
I was immediately taken by the premise. In a very 1984-esque world, the Ministry of Manners rules over the population with an iron, but polite, fist. Being rude, impolite or even a little snarky can put you in hot water – including in the privacy of your own home. In the current age where privacy online and in real life is being eroded, the premise is a timely klaxon for what our future might hold, but told in a story appropriate for a young audience. I do think, however, that in the end THE MINISTRY OF MANNERS doesn't go into as much depth as the subject matter demands.
Everything, from the world-building to the character development and, most importantly, the moral message, only scratches the surface of what it needs to say to make a point. Fundamentally dystopia is underpinned by an important theme about our current world and while MINISTRY does have plenty to say about privacy, security and free will, its implementation is thin enough that it seems like it wants the aesthetic of the genre without the work behind it. And having read a ton of great books for young readers, it's very doable to have a children's book with something important to say.
Partly I think it's the pacing. The book doesn't take the time to build the world, and the characters around them, keeping the story short and digestible but at the cost of substance. As far as our protagonists Alfie and Margot go, they're serviceable but I never became attached to them. Both are very cognizant of the restrictions of their society, and while Margot is more outspoken about her views, Alfie rebels only privately in his head. I think it would've been more interesting if he was more positive about it, but came to realise how harmful it was after Margot's kidnapping. As it stands he only gains the courage to outwardly rebel, which is fine, but far less dramatically exciting than slowly learning to deconstruct the harmful dictatorship the Ministry imposes. Likewise the members of the Unsilenced, the rebellion Alfie joins to save his sister, are woefully underdeveloped and feel more like plot devices than three-dimensional people.
All that said, as an introductory book to the genre it's good. The action sequences were enjoyable – you'll get your fill of break-ins and heists and secret spy missions – and children reading this will understand what the book is trying to say. But for me, who initially thought this was a standalone and adjusted my expectations, THE MINISTRY OF MANNERS has great potential that it doesn't quite reach.
WILL I READ ON? Like I said, I thought this was a standalone, and since this didn't really endear me to the characters I probably won't read on.
ARC received from Bonnier Books UK in exchange for an honest review. This title releases 7th May 2026.
LAST REVIEW
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Piccadilly Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Yes it's a fun kids fantasy adventure story, but it's got such heart to it, and at times it's actually quite frightening how close of what happens is to reality.
It was funny, adventurous, exciting, scary, and just really fun. It's gripping and addictive and you won't what to put it down.
It feels very 1984 but for kids. Maybe not as terrifying, but it definitely has similar themes.
It's a short, quick book read that I think kids are going to love. I think it's the perfect book to read in class, maybe Year 5s and up. Whilst it's not the toughest read for an adult - then again it's not aimed at them - there is still enough to really get your teeth into and after a serious of depressing books, this was a breath of fresh air.
This is my first of David's books but I'll definitely keep an eye out for more.
This has some really fantastic characters. Some more important to the plot than others, and some are more of a goodie than a baddie, but they were all very interesting. Alfie and Margot are wonderful protagonists. Two sides of a coin. Alfie follows the rules whereas Margot wants to rebel. And the rest of the characters work in their own stories as well as Alfie and Margot's.
Oooooooooh please let there be a sequel, this was just fabulous and I want more.
Yes it's a fun kids fantasy adventure story, but it's got such heart to it, and at times it's actually quite frightening how close of what happens is to reality.
It was funny, adventurous, exciting, scary, and just really fun. It's gripping and addictive and you won't what to put it down.
It feels very 1984 but for kids. Maybe not as terrifying, but it definitely has similar themes.
It's a short, quick book read that I think kids are going to love. I think it's the perfect book to read in class, maybe Year 5s and up. Whilst it's not the toughest read for an adult - then again it's not aimed at them - there is still enough to really get your teeth into and after a serious of depressing books, this was a breath of fresh air.
This is my first of David's books but I'll definitely keep an eye out for more.
This has some really fantastic characters. Some more important to the plot than others, and some are more of a goodie than a baddie, but they were all very interesting. Alfie and Margot are wonderful protagonists. Two sides of a coin. Alfie follows the rules whereas Margot wants to rebel. And the rest of the characters work in their own stories as well as Alfie and Margot's.
Oooooooooh please let there be a sequel, this was just fabulous and I want more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Year 5/6 class have read quite a few books by David Solomons recently and I know a lot of them would enjoy The Ministry of Manners.
Alfie and Margot Hawthorne live in a dystopian world, where everything is ok as long as you are polite. But the Unsilencable are rising up and threatening the Ministry of Manners.
An enjoyable book with interesting and likeable characters, easy to read but thrilling enough to keep the attention of upper primary school age children. A bit of a throwback to 1984 style society. Would definitely recommend to Year 5 up.
3.5 stars.
Alfie and Margot Hawthorne live in a dystopian world, where everything is ok as long as you are polite. But the Unsilencable are rising up and threatening the Ministry of Manners.
An enjoyable book with interesting and likeable characters, easy to read but thrilling enough to keep the attention of upper primary school age children. A bit of a throwback to 1984 style society. Would definitely recommend to Year 5 up.
3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a great read for older children! Set in a dystopian world reminiscent of 1984, politeness and manners are rewarded, while childish behaviour such as laughing and joking is frowned upon. But in this polite society, there are some who fight against the rules, despite the harsh punishments.
The story touches a variety of topics, such as trust, friendships, and families, that many children will find relatable. With great characters, a tense plot, and humourous moments, it's a book that will make you think. Highly recommended!
The story touches a variety of topics, such as trust, friendships, and families, that many children will find relatable. With great characters, a tense plot, and humourous moments, it's a book that will make you think. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Have you said your pleases and thank-you-s? Have you been seen and not heard? You'd better be polite or the Ministry of Manners will be after you!
A terrific dystopian children's book in the vain of 1984 (George Orwell even has a cameo). A book with smashing characters and plenty of action that will keep you gripped right to the end. Read it. Say thank-you. Or else! And to keep the Ministry away, I thank Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
A terrific dystopian children's book in the vain of 1984 (George Orwell even has a cameo). A book with smashing characters and plenty of action that will keep you gripped right to the end. Read it. Say thank-you. Or else! And to keep the Ministry away, I thank Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 17, 2026
Made me realise why there’s always a yin and yang to everything
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1984 for kids
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews